Two bandits die, others arrested in gun battle with troops in Imo

NIGERIANArmy today said troops of 34 Artillery Brigade have killed two bandits and arrested others while engaging in gun battle with over 10 men who terrorising Orlu–Orsu Road axis of Owerri, yesterday night.

  A statement issued by Director Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Onyema Nwachukwu said troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, two magazines, one Police grenade launcher among others.

  “The troops, while on routine patrol made contact with elements of IPOB/ESN around the general area of Aluminium Company and All Saints Church. On sighting the patrol team, the criminal elements opened fire and launched grenade attack on the troops.

  The vigilant troops responded with superior firepower neutralising two of the criminal elements, compelling others to flee in disarray. In a hot pursuit that followed the encounter, troops arrested four of the fleeing gunmen and recovered one AK 47 rifle, two magazines, one Police grenade launcher two Baofeng communication radios, five mobile phones, one IPOB Beret, two Motorcycles, four SIM cards, five wallets containing different ID cards, afrodisiac, charms and about N16,000.   Preliminary investigation on the suspects’ mobile phones reveals gory pictures and videos depicting scenes of cold blooded murders, corpses displayed in shrines and other heinous atrocities committed by the criminals,” he said.